Pokémon have arrived, and they're really not called magical beasts.

Chapter 21: Trainers and Pokémon



[Yay! Torchic won!]

[That was fast! Is the battle over already?]

[So the streamer wasn't fighting alongside Torchic—he was just giving commands from behind.]

[Why does Tyrogue suddenly seem weaker? It was pretty strong this morning.]

[Wait, was this a fixed match?]

[What are you talking about? There's no prize for losing on purpose.]

[It's not that Tyrogue got weaker. The difference is the streamer's involvement.]

[Torchic looks cute but fights like a beast. Never judge a chicken by its feathers!]

[For some reason, the streamer looked so cool commanding Torchic… and Torchic too!]

[I thought I was the only one who felt that way.]

The battle ended in just a few minutes, leaving the audience stunned.

After all, Tyrogue had easily defeated Torchic earlier that morning.

But now, less than ten hours later, Torchic not only won but also turned the tables after being hit first. To anyone unfamiliar with Pokémon battles, it seemed suspicious.

Seeing the heated discussion in the chat, Su Feng explained.

"This is why Pokémon Trainers are essential."

"Low-level Pokémon battles are often decided in a few moves. During fights, Pokémon might expose weaknesses or openings."

"But when they're focused on battling, they might miss these opportunities. That's where the Trainer steps in—to point out weaknesses, counter enemy strategies, or even set traps."

"There's also tactics, predictions, team composition, and more…"

"On top of that, Trainers are responsible for raising and caring for their Pokémon."

[This sounds so complicated. My brain's overheating.]

[So Torchic won because of the streamer's guidance?]

[I think… maybe… I understood a little?]

"Well, that's enough for today. Let it sink in. I need to tend to Tyrogue now."

"That's all for today's stream. See you tomorrow!"

[What? No! You can't end it here!]

[The sun just set! Ending so early? Don't you want gifts?]

[Are you on a health kick or something?]

[I'll miss Torchic so much!]

Ignoring the pleas, Su Feng decisively ended the stream.

"Phew, I'm exhausted. Tyrogue, are you okay…?"

...

In a luxurious villa on the outskirts of City A, a spacious bedroom was filled with Torchic plushies. Considering Su Feng was a new streamer, the sheer number of realistic plushies spoke volumes about the owner's influence.

The room belonged to Chen Xiaowen, whose father was a wealthy real estate tycoon in the United States. Due to the unstable situation there, he had sent his beloved daughter to the safer shores of Dragon Country.

"I can't take it! So cute, so cute!"

"Torchic is not only fluffy but also super strong in battles!"

"If I had a Torchic to protect me, Dad wouldn't stop me from going out!"

"And the streamer said Torchic is warm. It must be perfect for cuddling in winter!"

Chen Xiaowen rolled around on her bed, hugging a Torchic plushie. Her perception of Pokémon had completely changed.

Initially, she had been told Pokémon were dangerous alien creatures, which was why her father had confined her to Dragon Country. But now, she saw how adorable they were.

Who even started the rumor that Pokémon are dangerous?

After some thought, she dialed a number she had called earlier that morning.

"Dad, get me some bodyguards and find out where Torchic lives. I'm going into the forest to make Torchic my partner!"

There was a long pause on the other end. "No, the forest is too dangerous right now."

"If you don't agree, I won't talk to you for two weeks!"

"…"

Her father sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'll arrange it."

"But first, tell me what a Torchic is."

Chen Xiaowen: "…"

...

At the S City Research Institute, Elder Chen leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply as he watched the ended livestream.

"Incredible… simply incredible."

"Are humans a type of Pokémon? What exactly is a Trainer? And what's with the glowing during moves?"

"These creatures are full of mysteries. And that streamer, Su Feng—who is he? How does he know so much?"

"I need to contact him, gauge his stance. It'd be best if we could recruit him."

"I'll have to rewatch today's stream. There's so much valuable information."

As the leading authority on Pokémon research in Dragon Country, Elder Chen's decisions were rarely questioned. Still, some matters required discussion with his peers.

"Xiao Jin."

A guard stepped forward. "Yes, Elder Chen?"

"Contact Old Xu and the others tomorrow. I need to discuss something with them."

"Understood."

...

In the depths of Starry Forest, Su Feng woke up early to prepare breakfast for his three Pokémon. Unknowingly, he had become their indispensable chef.

Su Feng: "…Why does this feel weird?"

Shaking off the thought, he called out, "Torchic, Tyrogue, Greninja! Breakfast's ready!"

Before he could finish, a blue blur zipped past, and the plate in his hands vanished.

Su Feng: "…"

Well, that was meant for it anyway.

After breakfast, Su Feng opened his livestream. Thousands of viewers flooded in the moment he went live.

"Good morning, everyone!"

[Morning? Is it morning already?]

[The streamer's finally back! I stayed up all night for this.]

Su Feng: "…"

"I appreciate the dedication, but please take care of your health."

[Move aside, you narcissistic magical beast. I'm here for Torchic.]

[By the way, didn't someone say they'd do a Pokémon livestream today too?]

[Yeah, they started at dawn and are already heading to their destination.]

[Probably just riding the streamer's popularity.]

[Oh, and they're planning to visit a haunted villa near a cemetery.]

Su Feng gave a thumbs-up. "Now that's dedication."


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.